As Rowdy has been limping on his hind leg, on and off for months, a previous diagnosis told me he had arthritis. Back then, the Vet gave me some pain meds (Vetprofen) to give him, whenever he was limping to help him cope. The last couple of months, his limping and loss of the use of his right hind leg, has greatly increased, so I took him in yesterday, to see if we could do anything to help the problem.
The x-ray showed that he has bone cancer in that upper leg, and it had swollen to about twice it's size. His normal leg thickness is about 48mm., while his cancer ridden leg is at about 85mm thick. Quite a difference. I'm personally surprised that I didn't notice the swelling, as when he walked or sat, he kept the leg tucked in so it appeared normal.
There is no good treatment for this. The Vet could remove his leg, but at his age, would be extremely hard on him and he possible would not survive the surgery. Plus, the Vet said, doing so could possible cause it to quickly spread to his lungs, though I don't fully understand why. Besides, he does still have some use of it. We decided the best course, is to give him steroids (Prednisone) to help his quality of life, for the remainder of the time he has left.
Though I am uncertain of it's success, I am also trying another type of treatment. It is harmless to him, but it may help. We'll see, as I will closely watch him and his progress. If it is successful, I will share it with everyone. Though I am not confident in it's success, it still gives me a little hope. However, Rowdy has already outlived most dogs at his age, now pushing 17 years by a couple of months, so I do believe his time is near.
I am quite sad and I feel such empathy for him, as I only want him to feel good. He still has his spirit, but he also shows some distress in his facial expressions.
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